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STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The UW-Stevens Point women's basketball team kicked off the 2011-12 season on Wednesday night with a 70-53 win over the University of St. Thomas in Berg Gym.

The Pointers took control early in the game, maintaining a lead for the majority of the first half. The Tommies battled to keep the margin close, cutting UWSP's lead to just two, 30-28, by halftime.

Both teams traded baskets early on in the second half before the Tommies tied the game at 32 and then took the lead 36-35 at the 17-minute mark. 

UWSP responded with a layup by Ashley Averkamp (New Berlin, WI/West) to retake the lead and from there, never looked back. The Pointers continued to cushion their lead down the stretch to finish with the 17-point victory, 70-53.

Junior Sam Barber (Schofield, WI/D.C. Everest/Winona St.) led all scorers with 16 points on the night while teammates Averkamp and Cassie Bandow (Plover, WI/Pacelli) chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.  Sophomore guard Alyssa Olp (Brillion, WI/Brillion) tallied four steals and seven assists for the Pointers.

Maggie Weiers lead the Tommies with 13 points while Kelly Brandenburg added 10.

UWSP shot 51 percent from the field while holding St. Thomas to just 37 percent. The Pointers also shot an impressive 84 percent from the free-throw line, going 21-for-25.

UWSP will be back in action Friday night as they host the Pointer Tip-Off Tournament in Berg Gym. Game one will feature Alverno and UW-Oshkosh at 6 p.m. with the Pointers will take on Finlandia at 8 p.m. Action will continue on Saturday, with UW-Oshkosh and Finlandia playing at 1 p.m. followed by UWSP and Alverno at 3 p.m.